Discover scenic valleys, grand old cities and quaint rural villages on this marvellous 7-night cruise through East Burgundy.
Explore the gastronomic city of Lyon and discover the famous 15th-century Hospices de Beaune, before heading to Tournon, overlooked by a majestic 16th-century castle and impressive Roman ruins.
Explore the historic centre of Avignon on a guided tour and see the sights of Arles, including the spectacular Roman Ampitheatre, built in the style of the Colosseum in Rome.
EM176 Operated by Emerald Waterways
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Sensational Southern France Itinerary
Day 1 - UK - Lyon (France)
Fly from a choice of UK regional airports to Lyon. You will be met at the airport by a representative and transferred to your ship. In the evening you will enjoy a welcome reception and dinner onboard. There is the option to travel by Eurostar - please contact us for pricing. (D)
Day 2 - Chalon-sur-Saone
Chalon-sur-Saone is located in the heart of Burgundy's wine region. Travel to picturesque Beaune for a visit to the Hospices de Beaune, a stunning example of 15th-century architecture. Admire the multicoloured roofs on this former hospital. There is a cheese and olive tasting on board (forward itinerary only). (B,L,D)
Day 3 - Lyon
The former Roman capital of Lyon is considered the gastronomic centre of France. Enjoy a guided tour, which starts with a drive to the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere before continuing on to the Roman ampitheatre and into the old town. Alternatively, opt for the guided bike tour. An optional visit to Perouges is available. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Tournon
Enjoy a walking tour of Tournon overlooked by a 16th-century castle and nestled in a valley near the slopes of le Massif Central. There are two EmeraldActive excursions - a guided bike tour to Glun and a guided hike through vineyards. Enjoy a wine lecture on board. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - Viviers
Viviers is home to one of the oldest cathedrals in France. Enjoy a guided tour showcasing the magnificent architecture that this town has to offer. There is a cheese and olive tasting on board. On the reverse itinerary, there is an optional tour to Grignan. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - Avignon
Avignon has a rich history and is home to the Papal Palace. Enjoy a guided walk through the historic centre which overlooks the famous Pont d'Avignon. For those feeling active, there is a yoga class on board (reverse departures only) and guided active walk around Avignon. There is a special Provencal dinner on board, hosted by chef Fabien Morreale (forward itinerary only). In addition, there is an optional tour to Pont du Gard. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - Arles
Arles is the capital of Provence. Join a local guide for a walking tour taking in the Roman ampitheatre which was built to hold 20,000 spectators. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure. An optional tour of Les Baux is available. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - Arles - UK
After breakfast, disembark and transfer to Marseille airport for your return flight to the UK. Alternatively take the Eurostar option - please contact us for pricing. (B)
For navigational reasons the Captain of the ship reserves the right to modify the cruise itinerary.
Michel Rouz Jr and Tom Parker Bowles Itinerary
Day 1 - UK - Marseille (France) - Arles
Fly from a choice of UK regional airports to Marseille and then transfer to Arles to embark your ship. Welcome Reception onboard this evening. (D)
Day 2 - Arles
Enjoy a guided tour of Arles which takes in the UNESCO-listed Roman and Romanesque monuments of Arles as well as Arles amphitheatre, which once hosted chariot races. Enjoy learning about the time Vincent van Gogh spent in the city and how he was inspired by his surroundings, before enjoying time at leisure. There is a special EmeraldPLUS activity - a Provencal dinner hosted by Chef Fabien Morreale, and an optional DiscoverMORE excursion to Baux-de-Provence. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - Avignon
The fortified town of Avignon was once the residence of Popes who fled from Rome. Join a guided walking tour taking in the UNESCO-listed Palais des Papes, before spending the afternoon at leisure. Alternatively, join the canoeing excursion. There are two optional DiscoverMORE excursions available - a guided tour to Pont du Gard and a classical concert in Avignon. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Viviers
Quintessential France awaits in Viviers. Explore the charming old town during a guided walking tour, or join the optional tour of Grignan. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - Tournon
Cruise to Tournon, overlooked by a 16th-century castle. Join the guided tour during which you'll learn about the history and culture. Alternatively, opt for the guided bike tour to Glun or guided hike through the vineyards. There is also a special EmeraldPLUS activity onboard, a regional wine lecture. You will also enjoy an exclusive event as you join Michel Roux Jr for an exclusive talk and Q&A. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - Lyon
Highlights of today's walking tour include the UNESCO-listed Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourviere. Alternatively, join the guided bike tour or take the optional visit to Perouges. Exclusive Event - Visit Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse Market with Michel Roux Jr and Tom Parker Bowles and shop for fruit, vegetables and regional produce. Back on board, enjoy an exclusive cookery demonstration with Michel, before joining Tom Parker Bowles for a presentation on local cuisine. This evening, join Michel Roux Jr for dinner featuring courses chosen by the chef himself. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - Chalon-sur-Saone - Beaune
Discover the quaint village of Beaune and visit the 15th-century Hospices de Beaune. There is also an EmeraldPLUS activity - cheese and olive tasting on board. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - Lyon - UK
After breakfast, disembark and transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. (B)
For navigational reasons the Captain of the ship reserves the right to modify the cruise itinerary.